West Nile virus found in Middlesex County

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BOSTON — The West Nile virus has been found in Middlesex County, the Department of Public Health announced Wednesday evening.

It is the first human case of West Nile virus in the state this year as a man in his 60s from Middlesex County was recently hospitalized due to the illness, according to a press release sent out by the Department of Public Health. The press release did not state the man’s name or what town in Middlesex County.

The risk of human infection with the virus is considered to be “generally low throughout the Commonwealth,” according to the press release.

“We have not seen much West Nile virus activity this year,” Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel said in the release. “Still, today’s news is a compelling reminder that we all need to continue to take steps to protect ourselves and our families from mosquito bites.”

There were 49 human cases of West Nile virus identified in Massachusetts in 2018.

West Nile virus (WNV) is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness.

In rare cases, more severe illness can occur.

“While Massachusetts is seeing a very active season for another mosquito-borne disease, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), this is the first human case of WNV,” State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown said via the press release. “We continue to strongly recommend personal precautions to reduce your risk of all mosquito-borne disease.”

Ways to protect yourself from mosquito bites and other illnesses transmitted by mosquitoes, the Department of Health suggests: avoiding mosquito bites by applying insect repellent when outdoors; being aware of peak mosquito hours (dusk to dawn); wearing long sleeves, pants and socks when outside; drain standing waters and repairing screens in your home; protecting your animals.